Abstract: A rectal thermal monitor for transrectal prostate temperature measurement includes a handle arranged in a proximal end portion of the monitor for gripping by a user, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, and an expandable distal probe portion arranged on a distal end of the shaft. The distal probe portion is arranged at a position opposite the handle portion, and is shaped to facilitate insertion through an anal sphincter and into a rectum of a patient. A cover element, is provided for covering at least a portion of the distal probe portion, and is made from a resilient material. A temperature sensing element is arranged within the distal probe portion, beneath the cover element, and is adapted and configured to sense a temperature of the prostate of the patient through the rectum wall of the patient. Further, and actuator can be provided to actuate the expandable distal probe portion, to increase a diameter thereof.

Abstract: A urinary stent includes an elongate member that defines a lumen extending therethrough and that is configured to be disposed at least partially within a prostatic portion of a urethra of a patient. The elongate member includes a collapsible portion disposed at a proximal end portion of the elongate member. The collapsible portion has a first configuration in which an outer perimeter at a proximal end of the collapsible portion is substantially equal to an outer perimeter of a remaining portion of the elongate member and a second configuration in which the outer perimeter at the proximal end of the collapsible portion is smaller than the outer perimeter of the remaining portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: An expandable stent designed to maintain a passageway through a body lumen of a patient is disclosed. The expandable stent is a tubular member that includes a thermoplastic material and woven or wound fibers at least partially in contact with the thermoplastic material, such that the thermoplastic material maintains the tubular member in at least one of an expanded state and a collapsed state.

Abstract: A medical device for blood vessel detection and occlusion includes an elongated member, a sensor, and an occluder. The elongated member includes a distal portion configured and dimensioned for accessing anatomical regions. The distal portion includes a recessed area. The sensor of the device can sense a blood vessel disposed in or near the recessed area. The occluder is operatively associated with the distal portion, and it is configured for at least partially stopping the flow of blood through the blood vessel disposed within the recessed area.

Abstract: A stent includes a conduit defining a lumen; a first malecot adjacent the conduit, where the first malecot includes at least two members having at least one slit therebetween and where the at least one slit is in fluid communication with the lumen; and a second malecot including an annular structure surrounding and protruding from the conduit. A method for placing a stent includes inserting into a patient a stent and a stylet disposed within the stent, where the stylet includes an expandable member, expanding the expandable member, seating the stent, and removing the expandable member.

Abstract: A stent includes a conduit defining a lumen; a first malecot adjacent the conduit, where the first malecot includes at least two members having at least one slit therebetween and where the at least one slit is in fluid communication with the lumen; and a second malecot including an annular structure surrounding and protruding from the conduit. A method for placing a stent includes inserting into a patient a stent and a stylet disposed within the stent, where the stylet includes an expandable member, expanding the expandable member, seating the stent, and removing the expandable member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering and placing a surgical sling without resorting to an abdominal incision are disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable stent designed to maintain a passageway through a body lumen of a patient is disclosed. The expandable stent is a tubular member that includes a thermoplastic material and woven or wound fibers at least partially in contact with the thermoplastic material, such that the thermoplastic material maintains the tubular member in at least one of an expanded state and a collapsed state.

Abstract: A stent includes a conduit defining a lumen; a first malecot adjacent the conduit, where the first malecot includes at least two members having at least one slit therebetween and where the at least one slit is in fluid communication with the lumen; and a second malecot including an annular structure surrounding and protruding from the conduit. A method for placing a stent includes inserting into a patient a stent and a stylet disposed within the stent, where the stylet includes an expandable member, expanding the expandable member, seating the stent, and removing the expandable member.

Abstract: A self-contained, self-lubricating catheter assembly is provided. A receptacle formed of two opposed flexible walls includes a main chamber and a lubrication chamber separated by a passage. A lubricant is provided in the lubrication chamber. A catheter is advanced from the main chamber through the lubrication chamber and picks up lubricant as it is passes through the lubrication chamber. A catheter grasping mechanism, located proximate the exit from the lubrication chamber, permits advancement of the catheter out of the receptacle and resists movement of the catheter back into the receptacle. The receptacle also includes one or more finger holes therethrough to allow the user to retain the receptacle on one or more fingers, thereby allowing the hand to more readily position the receptacle during use while advancing the catheter.

Abstract: A method for treating fibrotic lesions in the epidural space of the spinal column includes the steps of percutaneously inserting into the epidural space and across a fibrous lesion, a catheter carrying a compliant, inflatable balloon which is expandable both radially and longitudinally, and, expanding the balloon radially so as to contact the walls of the epidural space and disrupt the fibers of the lesion, and thereafter expanding the balloon longitudinally within the epidural space so as to increase the area of contact between the balloon and the walls of the epidural space. An introducer for percutaneously inserting a catheter or other medical device into the epidural space includes a polymeric tubular shaft having a tapered, curved distal tip through which the catheter is advanced and retracted.

Abstract: A hot tip device, typically used for melting and plowing through stenotic deposits in a coronary artery, is provided with optical diagnostic capabilities. The device includes an elongated, flexible member, a filter glass heating element attached to the distal end of the flexible member and an optical fiber extending through the flexible member and optically coupled to the heating element. The filter glass heating element absorbs a first range of wavelengths for heating and passes a second range of wavelengths for irradiating the artery through the filter glass heating element. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible member is a steerable guidewire, and the filter glass heating element is heated by infrared radiation. Ultraviolet or visible radiation is used to stimulate fluorescence from deposits in the artery.